RACES Requirements

RACES Eligibility
Any United States citizen, who possesses a valid FCC Amateur Radio Operator License, technician class or higher, is eligible to become a member of RACES,

The Role of State and Local Governments

Local Governments: The role of local governments is to establish and train a RACES organization designed to provide or supplement essential emergency communications within their local jurisdiction.

State Governments: The role of state governments is to establish and train a RACES organization designed to provide or supplement emergency communications between elements of state government and between state and local governments.

FEMA's Role
The Federal Emergency Manegement Agency's (FEMA) role is to provide planning guidance, technical assistance, and funding for establishing a RACES organization at the State and local government level.

Definitions

Amateur Radio Communications (ARES) is noncommercial radio
communications by or among amateur radio stations solely with a personal
aim and without pecuniary or business interest.

RACES is a radio communications service, conducted by volunteer licensed amateur radio operators, for providing emergency communications support to state and local governments.

RACES Station is an amateur radio station licensed civil defense organization, at a specific land location, to provide the facilities for amateur radio communications.

E-mail addresses are public records under Florida Law. If you do not want your e-mail address released in response to a public records request, do not send electronic email to Pasco County. Instead, contact departments by phone or regular mail.